The Tonto

Description:

Spend two nights in the canyon and a few nights above. The highlight of this trip is the Tonto trail, which you'll be walking on day two of your backpack. This trail follows the contour of the Colorado River and yet stays at a steady elevation above the water. Remarkable archaeological features, mescal pits, mark this trail. The pits were made by Native people slow slow cooking their food, mostly consisting of the hearts of agave. In all, you'll be traveling from Hermit Trailhead to Bright Angel Trailhead, and Several reliable water sources are along the route, but some of them are not safe to drink. Salt Creek is very high in minerals (hence the name) and Horn Creek water is radioactive as a result of a Uranium site that drains into the ground water that fuels this creek. Cedar Springs, Monument Creek, and Indian Garden all have water safe to filter or treat with iodine. Recommended camping sites (based on water access and mileage) are Monument Creek and Indian Garden. Make camping reservations ahead of time at the Grand Canyon Back Country office. You may get a permit by visiting or by faxing permit requests. Plan early if you need to fax--they accept requests four months in advance of trip. Once you arrive back on the rim, you'll be heading to Williams for some forest time. You'll start with a relaxing stay at a bed and breakfast and after resting your legs for a day, get back on the trails.

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Author: Jennifer


Day 1 - Grand Canyon National Park


Collect your stuff and yourself and get ready for tomorrow!


1

Canyon Village Marketplace & Deli

Location:

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Market Plaza Road & Village Loop Road
Grand Canyon Village
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ 86023

Phone:

+1 928 638 2262


2

Yavapai Lodge

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Location:

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499 Linger Lane
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ 86023

Phone:

928 638 2631


Day 2 - Grand Canyon National Park


Today you go down, down, down. Camp out by water and enjoy the view from below.


1

Hermit Trail

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Location:

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P.O. Box 170
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ 86023

Phone:

520-638-7888


Day 4 - Grand Canyon National Park


Today, you'll get up early to start the climb at day-break. This climb generally takes 6-8 hours, and its best to start while you still have cool hours of weather ahead of you. Pace yourself well, drink water, eat salt, and all will be good:)


1

Bright Angel Trail

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Location:

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Between Bright Angel Lodge and Hermit Rd
From W Rim Drive to Plateau Point
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ 86023

Phone:

928 638 7888


2

Café Tusayan

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Location:

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110 Hwy 64
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ 86023

Phone:

928 638 2151


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